Story:
We got a tip from our teammate that this was his favorite hike, and and although it was difficult to find (park before the bridge that leads to the golf course), we eventually found the trail head.
The man at the gate was extremely helpful despite challenging us by telling us marines finish the entire thing in about 90 minutes (and Recons in 45). We were also warned that some boars had recently given birth and if we were charged we should look for a nearby tree and try to get to it before the boar did. Luckily we didn’t need to jump up into any trees, but we did see a boar at one point (and we all looked around for low branches immediately).
When I heard the trail was steep I brushed it off. I’ve hiked Half Dome several times, and there are some nasty (lots of stairs) sections on that, and even though we were just coming off of 3 days of playing ultimate and usually I wouldn’t be able to move after that much exercise.
Well this trail is STEEP! I’m talking 1600ft elevation gain in under a mile steep, with several rock walls with ropes hanging down so that you can climb up them.
It was also completely worth it. The views along the trail were spectacular, but nothing could compare to the top. At the top of the first peak, it was only a few meters wide, maybe 10 long, and just barely enough space for 5 people, but the views! Oh the views!
We didn’t have time to go to the other peaks (which were apparently even steeper!) because we had to return the rental car before 6pm. With a a little over a mile left to go and about 40 minutes before closing we decided we had to start running for it. 7 minutes later we were out of the jungle, back in the car, and cruising towards Enterprise, getting there with a solid 10 minutes to spare.
We got a tip from our teammate that this was his favorite hike, and and although it was difficult to find (park before the bridge that leads to the golf course), we eventually found the trail head.
The man at the gate was extremely helpful despite challenging us by telling us marines finish the entire thing in about 90 minutes (and Recons in 45). We were also warned that some boars had recently given birth and if we were charged we should look for a nearby tree and try to get to it before the boar did. Luckily we didn’t need to jump up into any trees, but we did see a boar at one point (and we all looked around for low branches immediately).
When I heard the trail was steep I brushed it off. I’ve hiked Half Dome several times, and there are some nasty (lots of stairs) sections on that, and even though we were just coming off of 3 days of playing ultimate and usually I wouldn’t be able to move after that much exercise.
Well this trail is STEEP! I’m talking 1600ft elevation gain in under a mile steep, with several rock walls with ropes hanging down so that you can climb up them.
It was also completely worth it. The views along the trail were spectacular, but nothing could compare to the top. At the top of the first peak, it was only a few meters wide, maybe 10 long, and just barely enough space for 5 people, but the views! Oh the views!
We didn’t have time to go to the other peaks (which were apparently even steeper!) because we had to return the rental car before 6pm. With a a little over a mile left to go and about 40 minutes before closing we decided we had to start running for it. 7 minutes later we were out of the jungle, back in the car, and cruising towards Enterprise, getting there with a solid 10 minutes to spare.
Read more about hiking the Olomana trail at Gone-Wandering.com
Tips:
- Park before the bridge so that you don't get towed
- Do NOT attempt this in the rain, the clay will be impossible to to climb up
- If you are afraid of heights you may want to pass this one up
Tags:
Oahu, Olomana, Hiking, steep, Hawaii
Oahu, Olomana, Hiking, steep, Hawaii
Comments (8)
I did all three peaks with five friends and total it took us about four hours to do the whole thing. That includes stops at each of the three peaks. It is very steep and some places you are bascially rappelling down but it was fun. I was sore for three days after. We did it after a few days of rain and it's pretty slick so maybe wait for a few dry days before going.
by Joeyjohnson82 on Nov 08, 2010
Excellent pics & description! This is so far my favorite hike in Hawaii; did the first 2 peaks, but chickened out doing the 3rd solo.
Definitely update it with the profile for all 3 when you get around to doing it!
by ing253 on Sep 08, 2010
Definitely update it with the profile for all 3 when you get around to doing it!
You'll have to let me know how it goes for you. Finding the trailhead (or a place to park) is a little tricky, but you can use the "Get directions" link to find it. Once there, talk to the guard at the gate, he was very helpful.
by chris on Feb 26, 2010
Thank you Chris,Very good information !
We are going to HAWAII nest month and HIking the Olomana,but no data at all.
by norio159 on Feb 26, 2010
We are going to HAWAII nest month and HIking the Olomana,but no data at all.
Yeah, I guess that is an issue with a 360 degree panorama limited to 500 pixels...we'll look into that...
by chris on Feb 25, 2010
Now that is a sweet trail! I'd give this six stars if I could.
I'd love to see those panoramic pics at a proper size instead of being shrunk down to look like a banner ad. Get back to work already so you can take care of that. ;^)
by croyle on Feb 25, 2010
I'd love to see those panoramic pics at a proper size instead of being shrunk down to look like a banner ad. Get back to work already so you can take care of that. ;^)
Great hike, beautiful pictures. It must bee bay area hiker's Hawaii week.
One thing is irritating though. Especially on your panoramic shots, the title/caption hides a lot of the picture....
by Brighto on Feb 25, 2010
One thing is irritating though. Especially on your panoramic shots, the title/caption hides a lot of the picture....
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